Since standard measures of income distribution leave out in-kind transfers, how do they relate to the true inequality of living standards?
Correct answerA. They exaggerate the inequality of living standards
Explanation
In-kind transfers such as food aid, free healthcare and subsidised housing mostly go to poorer households. Leaving them out understates the resources of the poor and so overstates inequality.
Correct answerB. By redistributing income from rich to poor because, owing to diminishing marginal utility of income, taking a pound from the rich reduces their utility by less than the gain from giving that pound to the poor
Discussion